Etc.

By LYRA SOLOCHEK from Times staff and wire reports
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 24, 2002

TIPS

Potato vs. potato

When books and Web sites suggest planting potato vines, don't be confused with the invasive air potato vines.

Ornamental potato vines that are appropriate for your garden are sweet potato with foliage colors varying from yellow-green to deep reddish purple.

Air potato vines, however, are considered invasive plants in Florida, and should be eliminated.

WEB SITES

www.fleppc.org

The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's Web site has more on plants it considers invasive. It gives a list of plants, in common and scientific names, that are considered harmful to native species. It also has a link for a guide on how to manage these plants with herbicide.

TOOLS

Lawn Claws by Midwest Quality Gloves

These clamshell-like plastic yard "helpers" make quick work of picking up leaves and other loose, lightweight materials. They're a cross between a scoop and a rake -- one for each hand -- with adjustable hand straps ($8 to $10; Target or www.midwestglove.com).

CLIPPINGS

Occasional excerpts from fertile sources.

Romance of Flowers, by Pat Poce, Sterling Publishing Co., $19.95

"Always trim stems at an angle, giving a larger surface area to absorb water. Stand flowers in cool to lukewarm water to hasten absorption. Remove all leaves below water level to prevent bacterial growth, which shortens the life of the flowers.

"Keep flowers out of direct heat and cold and out of sunlight to prolong the life of the arrangement. To revive an arrangement, recut the ends of the flowers, change the water, and add commercial flower food or conditioner."

- Compiled by Lyra Solochek from Times staff and wire reports

-- If you have any unusual gardening tips you would like to share, please send them to Lyra Solochek, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731-1121 or send an e-mail to lyra@sptimes.com. Include your name and a daytime phone number.

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